Worship & Music

The moment at the end of a service when people are invited to come to the front to commit to faith, pray, or ask for help — usually while a song plays.

"Yes" or "I agree" — said at the end of prayers, and in some churches shouted mid-sermon to agree with the preacher.

A ceremony in which parents publicly commit to raising their child in the Christian faith and the church promises to help — used by churches that don't baptize infants.

The water ceremony marking a person's entry into the Christian faith and the church. Some traditions baptize infants by sprinkling or pouring; others baptize believers by full immersion.

The closing blessing spoken over the congregation at the end of a service — often "The Lord bless you and keep you…" — sending people out with God's favor.

The opening words of a service — usually a psalm or scripture passage, often read responsively — that gather the congregation and begin worship.

The ritual of sharing bread and wine (or juice) in memory of Jesus' last meal with His disciples. The name, the meaning, and who may take it vary by tradition.

Two styles of worship service — contemporary (band, screens, modern songs, casual) and traditional (organ, hymns, liturgy, formal) — and the long, mostly friendly argument between them.

A short song or formula of praise to God, especially the one that begins "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," often sung when the offering is brought forward.

"Praise the Lord" — a Hebrew exclamation kept untranslated in every Christian language. "Alleluia" is the Latin-influenced form used in liturgical churches.

A church song in the traditional form — several verses of poetry set to a tune, usually sung from a book with organ or piano, and often centuries old.

The opening prayer of a service, asking God to be present and bless the gathering. Also the opening prayer at civic events — a graduation, a council meeting, a game.

A set, repeated order of worship with written prayers, readings, and congregational responses, followed the same way every week.

The moment in a church service when everyone turns and greets the people around them, usually with a handshake and the words "Peace be with you."

The singing portion of a contemporary church service. Some distinguish praise (upbeat songs about what God has done) from worship (slower songs addressed to God directly).

Lifting one or both hands during singing or prayer as a physical expression of praise, surrender, or reaching toward God.

A solo or small-group song performed during the service — as opposed to congregational singing — often during the offering or before the sermon.

Honoring God — most often meaning the singing part of a church service, but also the whole service, and sometimes a person's entire way of living.

A modern church song, usually written in the last few decades and led by a band — simpler and more repetitive than a hymn, with a chorus and often a "bridge" that repeats and builds.

The band and singers who lead the music in a contemporary church service, and the person — often on staff — who directs them and chooses the songs.